Alana Polanek Msw, Lcsw, Ccm, Iqci Email & Phone Number

Oak Brook, Illinois, United States

I create and implement the program wide approach to training and continued staff education performing a variety of education/training related tasks and methodologies. I continuously update and maintain training materials, including PowerPoint presentations, training manuals, job aids and workflows, evaluating and revising programs as necessary in order to adapt to the rapidly changing healthcare environment. My training program consists of on-boarding new hires, refresher courses for existing staff as well as a robust staff development program. In addition, I maintain records for state and federal compliance audits and ensure staff has required training hours and subject matter.

Oak Brook, Il

Independent Living Systems, LLC is committed to enhancing quality of life through innovative health and support solutions. Our goal is to improve health outcomes, reduce hospitalization and readmission through the provision of home based and community resources. Currently, I successfully manage the transition team to ensure continuity of care across the healthcare continuum; • Decision maker at utilization management and interdisciplinary team meetings.• Utilize an extensive knowledge base of Illinois state waiver programs, through the medicare / medicaid realignment project.• Confirm eligibility of HBCB members through several platforms; eccipis, WebCM and Medi Verification.• Develop and supervise a team of specialized care coordinators who perform initial assessments, execute transition of care and critical case management for our members who exhibit health, welfare and safety concerns. • Direct the discharge planning for members with complex needs, chronic illnesses and multiple co-morbid diagnosis who have been hospitalized.• Perform chart audits , reconciliation, and review.

Virtual

Provided insights, ideas and content for presentation of end-of-life decision making during the incubation period of this innovative project. Vimty offers a warm and inviting software experience and services to help patients and their families make the most appropriate decisions for the last stages of their lives. Vimty employs behavioral science and web engagement to restore humanity and dignity to these extremely costly decisions, thereby giving back control and improving quality of life for its users. Vimty simplifies the topic and process for everyone involved via improved collaboration, user experience, and ease of use, meanwhile keeps the process digital throughout enabling faster and more convenient execution, storage and sharing.

"Start Up" Hospice Program

Full oversight hospice service for Compassionate Care Hospice in Chicago responsible for overall management and direction. Relocated Chicago office from Morton Grove to Lombard to increase viability, attract employees and increase Compassionate Care Hospices' geographical reach. Replaced existing staff with professionals with hospice experience. Obtained Medicaid license, increased contracted providers and created a steady increase in census.

Woodridge, Illinois

Full oversight of the Home Medical Equipment service center for VITAS Innovative Hospice, with an average daily patient census of 850-1000.

New Start Up Hospice Service

Passed initial Medicare certification process and survey with 100% compliance.

New Start Up Service Branch For Odyssey Hospice - Arlington Heights

Passed initial Medicare certification process and survey with 100% compliance.

Arlington Heights, Illinois

Educated and worked closely with Veterans and their families to understand, determine and utilize Veteran funeral/burial benefits, oversaw office activities and created marketing materials, provided off site seminars, creating name recognition and increasing business 75%.

New Start Revolutionary Funeral/Cremation Service.

Provided full spectrum marketing platform for a revolutionary concept of affordable funeral/cremation services through education, news letters and off site presentations.

Lombard, Illinois

Medical Social Worker: Obtained Master of Social Work during my tenure at VITAS in order to provide direct patient/family case management with census of 60-120 hospice patients utilizing the interdisciplinary team approach.Admissions Coordinator: Developed the Managed Care and Insurance reimbursement protocol for VITAS Healthcare negotiating out of contract coverage with insurance vendors where no prior hospice coverage existed.Case Worker: Medicaid reimbursement specialist, funeral planning, and community resource liaison Developed and implemented “Patients Who Live Alone” protocol focused on patient safety and coordination of resources which allowed patients living alone to die, in place, at home.

Master Of Social Work, Clinical/Medical Social Work, 3.98 Gpa - Out Of 4.5

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Psychology